Index shows Colorado poised for business growth

The Mountain States Business Conditions Index registered 51.1 in July, showing positive business growth for Colorado.

A reading above 50 indicates an expanding economy during the next three to six months, while one below 50 indicates a contraction.

The Colorado business index was at 42 in June, 44 in May and 38 in April.

Components of the index that are expanding included new orders and production. Existing inventories and employment continue to shrink.

Manufacturers will continue to shed jobs even as production ramps up, predicted Ernie Goss, director of Goss Institute for Economic Research, which distributes the index through Creighton University in Omaha.

Our Poll

What's your reaction to the Regional Business Alliance hiring Dirk Draper as president and CEO?

Great news. He's an energetic leader and will represent the city well.

Unsure. He can mend fences with political leaders, but how about economic development?

Too late. The organization will need years to recover from its missteps.